New AAP Policy on Choking Prevention

2/22/2010

Article Body

Choking is a
leading cause of injury and death among children, especially children 3
years of age or younger. Food, toys and coins account for most of the
choking-related events in young children, who put objects in their
mouths as they explore new environments.

The American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement, “Prevention of Choking Among Children,” published in the March issue of Pediatrics
(appearing online February 22), contains recommendations for
government agencies, manufacturers, parents, teachers, child care
workers and health care professionals to help prevent choking among
children. Because the size, shape and consistency of certain toys and
food increase the possibility of being a choking hazard, and because
many of the prevention strategies currently in place to prevent
choking on toys have not yet been implemented to prevent choking on
food, the AAP recommends:

Warning labels on foods that pose a high choking risk.

A recall of food products that pose a significant choking hazard.

The establishment of a nationwide food-related choking-incident surveillance and reporting system.

CPR and choking first aid should be taught to parents, teachers and child care providers.

Pediatricians
should continue to provide guidance to parents on safe and appropriate
food and toy choices, as recommended by the AAP.

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TheAmericanAcademyof
Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians,
pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists
dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children,
adolescents and young adults. For more information, visitwww.aap.org.